Tag Archive | "local authors"

She’s in the business of “family history mysteries.” On August 10, 2009, Cedar Springs native and Local Family Historian Roberta Schirado put her first book on the shelves. The book, titled Rockford, is part of the Images of America Series preserving the history of communities throughout the country.

“You don’t know where you’re going until you know where you have been,” said Schirado. Her passion for writing and history are well displayed in the book.

Rockford is a collection of photo-essays covering the late 19th and early-to mid-20th century. Done in conjunction with the Rockford Historical Society, the scans from the book will be kept on permanent record at the museum.

By knowing the history of a location, Schirado explains, “you can avoid making the same mistake over and over and over. Not only being aware of the mistakes, but remembering them.”

Schirado resided in Cedar Springs for 18 years until moving to Rockford. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Central Michigan University. She has also served eight years as an editor for Michigana, a quarterly journal for the West Michigan Genealogical society.

Currently, Schirado is working on her second book, a mystery. “It’s about a woman who is a genealogist and a mystery that comes along, with several of her friends,” said Schirado. She explained that the book shows people what you have to do to figure out your family history.

To order Rockford or find out more information on the book contact:

Rockford, $21.99, Arcadia Publishing. Available at local retailers, online bookstores, or through Arcadia Publishing at www.arcadiapublishing.com or (888) 313-2665.

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Author Jeff Allan Brown, 29, of Big Rapids, will be signing copies of his new book, Floom Shroom – The Battling Mushroom, on September 26, at Big Boy in Cedar Springs.

Brown, who is from Big Rapids, is a writer and artist who became a regular contributor to The Sunsiter in Pearce, Arizona, with his comic strip Simon & Nork when he was 13. Originally envisioned in his teen years, his characters have finally come to life in Floom Shroom, his first book.

Published by Strategic Book Publishing, Floom is a children’s book but is said to be equally appealing to adults. There are 100 pages and 30 illustrations to enthrall the reader. It is an eye-popping, heart-pounding adventure everyone will want to experience.

Mike Valentino, editor of the Midtown Blue series published by Baker Books, gave the book high praise. “Jeff Brown has written a real page turner that’s not just for kids. Even adults will find something to fall in love with. It is a work of the imagination that knows no age limit. A thoroughly enjoyable adventure.”

Outdoor book launch bash scheduled for August 22

When three cousins find a secret trunk in their great-grandmother’s attic, they get more than they bargained for. While pretending to play pirates, they soon discover it’s no longer a game—it’s real—and they have to find the buried treasure!

“The Traveler’s Trunk: Pirate’s Treasure,” is the first book by Cedar Springs author Amanda Litz, and the first book in The Traveler’s Trunk series. It is a fantasy adventure story full of action that is fun for both boys and girls (2nd – 4th grade reading level).

Litz, who recently returned to Michigan after 12 years, said she got the idea to write the book from her kids. “I was always telling stories for my kids at bedtime, and they said I should write them down. Once I became a new stay-at-home mom, I decided to write the book, and get it published,” she explained. She also has the second book in the series in rough draft form, and expects to publish “The giant problem” next August.

Litz is holding an outdoor book launch bash for “Pirate’s Treasure” next week, August 22, from 1-3 p.m at her home at 15071 Hanna Avenue in Cedar Springs. It will be a fun-filled afternoon of reading, refreshments, contests and live music by Ars Nova.

Author Amanda Litz

Residents will have an opportunity to meet the author and purchase a copy of the book, and children can also enter writing, drawing, and costume contests to win a free copy. There will also be a free giveaway with prizes, including an autographed copy of “Pirate’s Treasure,” a copy of the Traveler’s Trunk Coloring and Activity book, and a special “Pirate’s Treasure” kid’s t-shirt. The book can also be ordered at www.travelerstrunkpublishing.com.